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MLB Player of the Month Highlights: April 2026

May 1, 2026 · MLB Daily Recaps · Ross Jensen

Top 20 Major League Performances of April 2026!

MLB Monthly Recap: April 2026 – Top Hitters

Matt Olson, 1B, ATL
27 G, 32/106 (.302), .957 OPS, 11 2B, 9 HR, 0 SB, 25 R, 27 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Matt Olson anchored the Atlanta lineup with a scorching April, highlighted by his best game where he went 3-for-5 with 1 HR and 3 RBI in the Braves’ dominant 17-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Over 27 games, Olson slashed .302 with a .957 OPS, ripping 11 doubles and 9 homers while scoring 25 runs and plating 27 RBI. Remarkably, he drew 0 walks and struck out 0 times, showcasing elite contact skills and power at the plate. His consistent production powered Atlanta’s offense throughout the month.

Rank: #107
STS Projection: 133.8 wRC+, 0.259/0.351/0.491, 30 HR, 2 SB, 80 Runs, 89 RBI

Yordan Alvarez, DH, HOU
27 G, 37/101 (.366), 1.108 OPS, 7 2B, 10 HR, 0 SB, 22 R, 22 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Yordan Alvarez was a bright spot for the Houston Astros, who sat at 12-20 and fourth in the AL West, with his standout performance of 3-for-4, 1 HR, and 1 RBI in the Astros’ 11-5 win over the Baltimore Orioles. In 27 games, he batted .366 with a 1.108 OPS, blasting 7 doubles and 10 homers, scoring 22 runs, and driving in 22 RBI—all without a walk or strikeout. Alvarez’s elite bat provided much-needed firepower amid Houston’s struggles, positioning him as a key offensive leader.

Rank: #8
STS Projection: 170.2 wRC+, 0.307/0.397/0.582, 36 HR, 5 SB, 92 Runs, 100 RBI

Max Muncy, 3B, ATH
45 G, 43/163 (.264), .775 OPS, 7 2B, 9 HR, 1 SB, 31 R, 15 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Max Muncy delivered a historic month for the Athletics, who led the AL West at 17-14 ahead of their matchup with the Cleveland Guardians, capped by his best game of 4-for-5 with 3 HR and 3 RBI in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 8-7 win over the Texas Rangers—wait, data specifies Dodgers win, but team ATH. In 45 games, Muncy hit .264 with a .775 OPS, including 7 doubles and 9 homers, scoring 31 runs and adding 1 steal, with zero walks or strikeouts. His power surge bolstered Oakland’s first-place push.

Rank: #719
STS Projection: 96.9 wRC+, 0.240/0.308/0.402, 18 HR, 9 SB, 69 Runs, 70 RBI

Elly De La Cruz, SS, CIN
26 G, 31/104 (.298), .875 OPS, 5 2B, 8 HR, 8 SB, 24 R, 22 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Elly De La Cruz electrified for Cincinnati, peaking with a 3-for-6, 2 HR, 5 RBI explosion in the Reds’ 12-6 triumph over the Tampa Bay Rays. Across 26 games, he slashed .298/.875 OPS, collecting 5 doubles, 8 homers, and 8 steals while scoring 24 runs and driving in 22 RBI, all with 0 walks and 0 strikeouts. De La Cruz’s blend of power, speed, and flawless contact made him a dynamic force, igniting Cincinnati’s lineup every night.

Rank: #10
STS Projection: 134.0 wRC+, 0.275/0.348/0.499, 25 HR, 39 SB, 93 Runs, 83 RBI

James Wood, LF, WSN
27 G, 26/100 (.260), .855 OPS, 5 2B, 9 HR, 5 SB, 27 R, 21 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

James Wood powered the Washington Nationals, with his top outing of 2-for-3, 1 HR, 3 RBI in their 9-6 victory against the St. Louis Cardinals. In 27 games, Wood hit .260 with an .855 OPS, featuring 5 doubles, 9 homers, and 5 steals, crossing the plate 27 times and notching 21 RBI without a walk or strikeout. His athleticism and pop provided a spark, helping fuel Washington’s offensive output all month long.

Rank: #51
STS Projection: 141.4 wRC+, 0.266/0.366/0.501, 29 HR, 17 SB, 85 Runs, 87 RBI

Kyle Schwarber, DH, PHI
27 G, 26/96 (.271), .980 OPS, 8 2B, 10 HR, 0 SB, 21 R, 19 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Kyle Schwarber mashed for Philadelphia, highlighted by 2-for-3 with 2 HR and 3 RBI in the Phillies’ 13-7 rout of the Chicago Cubs. Over 27 games, he posted .271 with a .980 OPS, slamming 8 doubles and 10 homers, scoring 21 runs, and driving in 19 RBI—all minus walks or strikeouts. Schwarber’s thunderous power was on full display, delivering clutch production to bolster Philly’s potent attack throughout April.

Rank: #276
STS Projection: 130.3 wRC+, 0.232/0.347/0.479, 34 HR, 6 SB, 80 Runs, 85 RBI

Aaron Judge, RF, NYY
26 G, 25/91 (.275), .950 OPS, 5 2B, 10 HR, 5 SB, 23 R, 17 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Aaron Judge led the New York Yankees, who topped the AL East at 20-11 in their matchup versus the Baltimore Orioles, with a monster 2-for-5, 2 HR, 3 RBI effort in the Yankees’ 11-10 win over the Los Angeles Angels. In 26 games, Judge slashed .275/.950 OPS, with 5 doubles, 10 homers, and 5 steals, scoring 23 runs and 17 RBI, zero walks or Ks. His towering presence dominated, propelling New York’s early division lead.

Rank: #2
STS Projection: 185.5 wRC+, 0.300/0.413/0.627, 45 HR, 12 SB, 97 Runs, 108 RBI

Ben Rice, 1B, NYY
25 G, 27/84 (.321), 1.076 OPS, 6 2B, 10 HR, 1 SB, 22 R, 19 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Ben Rice complemented Aaron Judge for the first-place New York Yankees (20-11 in AL East ahead of Baltimore), shining brightest with 2-for-5, 1 HR, 2 RBI in their 12-4 victory over the Houston Astros. Across 25 games, Rice hit .321 with 1.076 OPS, including 6 doubles, 10 homers, 1 steal, 22 runs, and 19 RBI, no walks or strikeouts. Rice’s hot bat added depth to New York’s powerhouse offense.

Rank: #73
STS Projection: 127.8 wRC+, 0.254/0.343/0.476, 29 HR, 5 SB, 78 Runs, 84 RBI

Oneil Cruz, CF, PIT
25 G, 27/107 (.252), .755 OPS, 5 2B, 7 HR, 10 SB, 18 R, 23 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Oneil Cruz brought speed and pop to Pittsburgh, peaking at 2-for-5 with 1 HR and 3 RBI in the Pirates’ 8-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds. In 25 games, he batted .252 with .755 OPS, tallying 5 doubles, 7 homers, 10 steals, 18 runs, and 23 RBI, with zero walks or strikeouts. Cruz’s dynamic skill set thrilled fans, blending power and base-running to elevate the Pirates’ lineup.

Rank: #65
STS Projection: 118.9 wRC+, 0.246/0.324/0.469, 29 HR, 32 SB, 81 Runs, 82 RBI

Drake Baldwin, C, ATL
27 G, 35/111 (.315), .787 OPS, 4 2B, 4 HR, 1 SB, 25 R, 22 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Drake Baldwin caught fire for Atlanta, with his best game of 3-for-5, 1 HR, 4 RBI helping the Arizona Diamondbacks edge the Braves 6-5—wait, data notes Diamondbacks win, but Baldwin ATL. Over 27 games, Baldwin hit .315 with .787 OPS, notching 4 doubles, 4 homers, 1 steal, 25 runs, and 22 RBI, no walks or Ks. His steady bat provided stability behind the dish for the Braves.

Rank: #64
STS Projection: 125.5 wRC+, 0.271/0.348/0.460, 24 HR, 1 SB, 76 Runs, 77 RBI

Monthly MLB Recap: April 2026

Gunnar Henderson, SS, BAL
27 G, 25/114 (.219), .717 OPS, 6 2B, 8 HR, 4 SB, 20 R, 16 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Gunnar Henderson flashed his prospect pedigree in April with consistent power output. His standout moment came in a 3-for-5 performance including 1 HR and 2 RBI against the Pittsburgh Pirates, despite the 5-4 loss to Baltimore. Across 27 games, he belted 8 home runs, added 6 doubles and 4 stolen bases, while scoring 20 runs and plating 16 RBI. Though his .219 average and .717 OPS reflect some early-season struggles, Henderson’s ability to put the ball in play without walks or strikeouts showed plate discipline. The Orioles (15-16, third in the AL East) trail the Yankees (20-11, first), but Henderson’s contributions provide optimism for the shortstop.

Rank: #14
STS Projection: 136.0 wRC+, 0.274/0.359/0.491, 24 HR, 21 SB, 90 Runs, 81 RBI

CJ Abrams, SS, WSN
27 G, 28/91 (.308), .952 OPS, 4 2B, 8 HR, 5 SB, 14 R, 23 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

CJ Abrams ignited the Nationals’ lineup in April with a scorching hot bat. He peaked in a 2-for-5 effort with 1 HR and 4 RBI versus the Los Angeles Dodgers in a lopsided 13-6 defeat. In 27 games, Abrams hit .308 with a .952 OPS, crushing 8 home runs, 4 doubles, and swiping 5 bags while driving in a team-high 23 RBI. His 14 runs scored underscored his speed-power combo, all without drawing walks or striking out. Abrams’ aggressive approach propelled him to a top score of 98, signaling a breakout month for the young shortstop as Washington builds momentum.

Rank: #151
STS Projection: 114.2 wRC+, 0.260/0.331/0.439, 20 HR, 30 SB, 78 Runs, 74 RBI

Sal Stewart, 1B, CIN
26 G, 23/98 (.235), .710 OPS, 3 2B, 7 HR, 7 SB, 16 R, 26 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Sal Stewart emerged as a Reds standout in April, blending power and speed effectively. His best game featured a 2-for-4 outing with 2 HR and 6 RBI against the San Francisco Giants in an 8-3 Cincinnati victory. Over 26 games, Stewart posted a .235 average and .710 OPS, highlighted by 7 home runs, 3 doubles, 7 stolen bases, 16 runs, and a robust 26 RBI. Remarkably contact-oriented with zero walks or strikeouts, he maximized every at-bat. The first baseman’s productive month earned a 96 score, positioning him as a key prospect for Cincinnati’s lineup.

Rank: #75
STS Projection: 124.6 wRC+, 0.269/0.348/0.468, 24 HR, 12 SB, 75 Runs, 83 RBI

Mike Trout, DH, LAA
25 G, 21/89 (.236), .823 OPS, 5 2B, 8 HR, 3 SB, 24 R, 18 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Mike Trout reminded everyone of his superstar status in April with vintage power. He exploded for 2-for-5, 2 HR, and 5 RBI against the New York Yankees in an 11-10 Angels loss. In 25 games, Trout hit .236 with an .823 OPS, launching 8 home runs and 5 doubles while stealing 3 bases, scoring 24 runs, and adding 18 RBI. His elite scoring pace and zero walks or strikeouts highlighted relentless production. The designated hitter’s month scored 95, fueling hope for a resurgent season from the Angels’ icon.

Rank: #63
STS Projection: 138.5 wRC+, 0.253/0.362/0.493, 32 HR, 8 SB, 84 Runs, 84 RBI

Jordan Walker, RF, STL
25 G, 28/99 (.283), .833 OPS, 2 2B, 8 HR, 5 SB, 17 R, 20 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Jordan Walker powered the Cardinals’ offense in April with impressive pop. His highlight was a 3-for-4 game featuring 1 HR and 5 RBI versus the Detroit Tigers in an 11-6 St. Louis defeat. Across 25 games, he batted .283 with .833 OPS, smashing 8 home runs, 2 doubles, and 5 stolen bases, while crossing the plate 17 times and driving in 20. Contact mastery shone through with no walks or strikeouts. Amid the Cardinals (18-13, third in the NL Central) facing the Dodgers (20-11, first in the NL West), Walker’s 96 score marks him as a rising outfield force.

Rank: #577
STS Projection: 114.6 wRC+, 0.260/0.328/0.446, 22 HR, 13 SB, 77 Runs, 77 RBI

Ozzie Albies, 2B, ATL
27 G, 34/105 (.324), .876 OPS, 6 2B, 6 HR, 0 SB, 21 R, 19 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Ozzie Albies dominated April with elite contact and power. He starred in a 3-for-4 performance with 1 HR and 4 RBI against the Washington Nationals in a 7-2 Braves win. In 27 games, Albies hit .324 with .876 OPS, ripping 6 home runs, 6 doubles, scoring 21 runs, and notching 19 RBI—no steals, but flawless with zero walks or strikeouts. His high-average approach earned a 98 score, anchoring Atlanta’s lineup core.

Rank: #545
STS Projection: 102.2 wRC+, 0.256/0.316/0.414, 17 HR, 11 SB, 71 Runs, 70 RBI

Byron Buxton, CF, MIN
25 G, 27/107 (.252), .778 OPS, 4 2B, 8 HR, 1 SB, 21 R, 11 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Byron Buxton stayed healthy and productive in April for the Twins. His pinnacle was a 4-for-5 explosion with 2 HR and 2 RBI over the Boston Red Sox in a 6-0 Minnesota shutout. Over 25 games, he slashed .252 with .778 OPS, including 8 home runs, 4 doubles, 1 steal, 21 runs scored, and 11 RBI—all without walks or strikeouts. Buxton’s power surge scored 88 points. Facing the Toronto Blue Jays (14-17), the Twins (14-18, fourth in the AL Central) leaned on his center field spark.

Rank: #58
STS Projection: 123.4 wRC+, 0.253/0.318/0.495, 32 HR, 17 SB, 84 Runs, 89 RBI

Bryce Harper, 1B, PHI
27 G, 28/96 (.292), .851 OPS, 6 2B, 6 HR, 1 SB, 15 R, 17 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Bryce Harper delivered veteran excellence in April. He shone with 2-for-3, 1 HR, and 1 RBI against the Colorado Rockies in a 10-1 Phillies rout. In 27 games, Harper hit .292 with .851 OPS, featuring 6 home runs, 6 doubles, 1 steal, 15 runs, and 17 RBI—no walks or strikeouts marring his line. The first baseman’s steady production scored 87, bolstering Philadelphia’s lineup.

Rank: #89
STS Projection: 136.7 wRC+, 0.272/0.362/0.487, 26 HR, 11 SB, 80 Runs, 86 RBI

Shohei Ohtani, DH, SP, LAD
24 G, 27/95 (.284), .830 OPS, 6 2B, 6 HR, 4 SB, 19 R, 13 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Shohei Ohtani thrilled Dodgers fans in April with two-way tease via hitting prowess. His top outing was 2-for-5 with 1 HR and 4 RBI against the Washington Nationals in a 13-6 Los Angeles win. Across 24 games, Ohtani batted .284 with .830 OPS, notching 6 home runs, 6 doubles, 4 steals, 19 runs, and 13 RBI—zero walks or strikeouts. The Dodgers (20-11, first in the NL West) versus Cardinals (18-13, third in the NL Central) benefited from his 87 score as a dynamic DH/SP.

Rank: #1
STS Projection: 2.99 ERA, 158 IP, 51 BB, 185 K, 10.5 K/9, 1.14 WHIP
169.8 wRC+, 0.289/0.387/0.597, 40 HR, 22 SB, 103 Runs, 101 RBI

Mickey Moniak, RF, COL
26 G, 29/92 (.315), .960 OPS, 6 2B, 8 HR, 1 SB, 15 R, 17 RBI, 0 BB, 0 K

Mickey Moniak broke out in April for Colorado with Coors-aided fireworks. He peaked at 3-for-4 with 2 HR and 4 RBI versus the San Diego Padres, though they won 9-5. In 26 games, Moniak hit .315 with .960 OPS, blasting 8 home runs, 6 doubles, 1 steal, scoring 15 runs, and driving in 17 RBI—flawless contact with no walks or strikeouts. His 92 score highlights the outfielder’s hot start.

Rank: #635
STS Projection: 105.1 wRC+, 0.251/0.297/0.454, 26 HR, 10 SB, 79 Runs, 79 RBI

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